How a fat-binding protein (A‑FABP) may link obesity to higher breast cancer risk
Determine the molecular and metabolic mechanisms by which A-FABP links dysregulated lipid metabolism-induced obesity/breast cancer risk
This project looks at whether a fat‑binding protein called A‑FABP helps explain why some types of obesity, especially from saturated‑fat diets, raise breast cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170661 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will use laboratory models including cells and mice fed different high‑fat diets to compare saturated versus unsaturated fat effects on tumor growth. They will measure A‑FABP levels in fat tissue and in immune cells called tumor‑associated macrophages to see how A‑FABP changes tumor behavior. Experiments will test whether blocking A‑FABP reduces the tumor‑promoting effects of obesity. The work aims to link diet, fat metabolism, and immune changes to breast cancer risk and point to possible biomarkers or interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with obesity who are concerned about higher breast cancer risk, especially those consuming diets high in saturated fats, would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People without obesity or whose tumors do not involve A‑FABP‑related pathways are less likely to benefit from findings focused on this mechanism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify A‑FABP as a biomarker and drug target to help prevent or treat breast cancer related to obesity.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies, including work by this team, have shown A‑FABP can promote tumor growth in obese models, but translation to human benefit remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Bing — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Li, Bing
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.